I'm looking to replace the shocks on my 1978 FJ40 and wanted some advice on how to determine the correct size. I have a 2.5 inch lift on the truck. Also, I've done some searches on brands, but any advice on that would be helpful as well. Thanks!
Ne shock advice (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter NCNole
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JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
Info is here:
FJ40 Bilstein 5100 and 5150 shock part numbers
FJ40 Bilstein 5100 and 5150 shock part numbers
- Thread starter
- #4
That is fantastic! Thank you!
Joanna,
Don't just blindly go by the link that Johnny posted up. You really should do a little homework before choosing a shock. What I would suggest is to remove all the shocks first and then cross up the suspension by slowly driving across a ditch at an angle (maybe 40-45 degrees). This will allow your suspension to cycle through its full range of motion. You can then take measurements from your shock mount points to determine what the shock length needs to be at full compression and extension. Jot down those measurements and then go to the Bilstein site and see which shocks fit your parameters. Ideally you'd want to pick a shock that encompasses your full range of motion and then some. So you'd want it to both compress a tad shorter than you need and you'd want it to extend a bit more as well. If you don't get this right you run the risk of damaging a shock by either over-compressing or over extending it or possibly even breaking a shock mount. Basically cross the truck up in a ditch like so and use a tape measure. I can help you if you need assistance.
![IMG_0917[1].JPG](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' width='1280' height='960' viewBox%3D'0 0 1280 960'%2F%3E "IMG_0917[1].JPG")
Don't just blindly go by the link that Johnny posted up. You really should do a little homework before choosing a shock. What I would suggest is to remove all the shocks first and then cross up the suspension by slowly driving across a ditch at an angle (maybe 40-45 degrees). This will allow your suspension to cycle through its full range of motion. You can then take measurements from your shock mount points to determine what the shock length needs to be at full compression and extension. Jot down those measurements and then go to the Bilstein site and see which shocks fit your parameters. Ideally you'd want to pick a shock that encompasses your full range of motion and then some. So you'd want it to both compress a tad shorter than you need and you'd want it to extend a bit more as well. If you don't get this right you run the risk of damaging a shock by either over-compressing or over extending it or possibly even breaking a shock mount. Basically cross the truck up in a ditch like so and use a tape measure. I can help you if you need assistance.
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- Thread starter
- #6
I don't really have anywhere to work on the truck right now or anywhere in Myers Park to flex it like that haha. Does the 4wheel parts shop measure that?
I'm sure they can do it. Call there and ask for Ryan, the manager. He has a 'Yota buggy and knows what to do. They may have a RTI ramp there they can use for measuring. if not, they have a forklift and that will do the trick.
Joanna,
If you want to bring the truck by my house this coming Saturday afternoon I'll help you out. You can even use my ditch. @FJinTegaCay is planning to bring his truck over for a little cosmetic work that afternoon. I will be out in the shop and glad to help. PM me if this might work for you. I'll give you my address (well, as membership chair I guess you already have that info).
Dave
If you want to bring the truck by my house this coming Saturday afternoon I'll help you out. You can even use my ditch. @FJinTegaCay is planning to bring his truck over for a little cosmetic work that afternoon. I will be out in the shop and glad to help. PM me if this might work for you. I'll give you my address (well, as membership chair I guess you already have that info).
Dave
Here's a great link, I was introduced to when measuring mine. Everything you wanted to know about Shock Absorbers - 4x4Review Off Road Magazine
